A popular misconception about celebrant weddings is that they are for couples who are alternative or off-beat. In reality, celebrant ceremonies are for couples who want to tell their love story on their own terms. Every wedding ceremony should be unique. But classical elegance in the most idyllic of Cotswolds wedding locations still calls for individuality.
L&A married at Sudeley Castle, a simply quintessentially English Stately Home, in the Cotswolds. It’s got everything a romantic, stylish couple could ever want. A rose-garden for post-marriage cocktails. An elegant library with grand piano for your registrar legal bit (which L&A chose to do the day before our ceremony). A modern orangery with scope for entirely flexible dining seating and beautiful styling. And one last, jaw-dropping element – a deconsecrated private chapel in the grounds, which is the final resting place of the last wife of Henry XVIII, Katherine Parr.
St Mary’s Chapel was full of all L&A’s glamorous, excited family and friends, who had travelled from all parts of the world to join them. Delicious early summer florals in gentle pinks, purples and whites, including foxgloves, styled by the wonderful Vervain Floral Design, lined the pews. Stephen Dear played gorgeous arrangements as we awaited the bride’s arrival. It couldn’t have been more romantic.
I loved telling L&A’s story. They love each other so much and the way they began their lives together, is a tale of romantic London life that, as someone who also met the love of their life in that wonderful city, made me nostalgic and I felt closer to my own husband, in a way. Two close friends gave readings which were charming, and there were musical references throughout. However, it was their personalised vows that made this ceremony so special. They both poured their souls into what they’d chosen to say, and it was a privilege to hear them.
L told me afterwards, “huge thank you for the most wonderful wedding ceremony! You cannot believe how many people came up to say how wonderful and personalised it was, and that was very much down to you”.
St Mary’s Chapel allowed L&A the most beautiful confetti walk, where I watched their lovely bridesmaids have a moment together of unadulterated delight at the sight of their beautiful friend being kissed over and over by the gorgeous groom. Before I left I slipped into the orangery to take a peek at the wedding breakfast styling, which featured another insanely lush broken arch-style arrangement around the door, and banquet tables decorated with small and colourful floral pops of beauty. The favours were little jars of Greek honey, honouring the Groom’s family.
All photography by the talented Rebecca Goddard
